While the co-operative banks across the country face an uncertain future following Reserve Bank of India’s restriction on cash transactions, a primary co-operative bank in rural Kerala has found a digital solution to tide over the financial crisis and challenge the hegemony of high-spending e-commerce websites.

Thenhipalam Co-operative Rural Bank Limited in Malappuram district became the first co-operative bank in India to launch digital currency, named COOPaisa, on Friday.

Since Friday, bank customers in Thenhipalam, Chelembra, Pallikkal, Peruvallur, Munniyur and Vallikkunnu panchayats have been using COOPaisa to buy groceries, fish and vegetable from more than 100 stores as well as to pay for autorickshaw rides

What makes COOPaisa different from other digital currencies is that it doesn’t differentiate between those who have smartphones and non-smartphones.

Smartphone users can complete transactions by scanning the bar code displayed at the shops, while non-smartphone users have to rely on the One Time Password received on their phones.

Pradeep Menon, president of the the bank, said COOPaisa was launched to ease difficulties of the bank customers in six panchayats. “We have been receiving positive feedback from the customers, vendors and autorickshaw drivers during the last three days. It shows that our efforts have paid dividends,” he said.

“Our customers felt the pinch of demonetisation. COOPaisa made them happy. Now they can make purchase for Re 1 and up to Rs 10,000 each day. Vendors have registered increase in sales, while autorickshaw drivers are getting more trips,” Menon added.

How it works

Sreejit Mullasseri, coordinator of the project, said customers have to install the COOPaisa app from the Google Play Store before heading to the shops. “They have to scan the unique QR Code displayed at the shops. Enter the amount to be paid and press OK to complete the transaction. Customers and vendors will soon get alert about the payment on their respective phones,” he said.

Mullasseri said the process is equally easy for the non-smart phone users. “They can complete the transaction after receiving the One Time Password on their mobiles.”

Two days after its launch, as many as 1,200 customers have downloaded the app. “We expect around 4,000 customers to use the app soon. Most of our clients are senior citizens and they will take time to adapt to the new system,” Mullasseri said.

Thenjipalam, Kerala, December 2, 2016.

The launch of COOPaisa has surprised many as it happened just three weeks after the Centre announced demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000.

“We had awarded the contract to develop the application six months ago,” Menon said. “The project was moving very slowly. But we speeded up the process after demonetisation hit us very hard. Everyone in the bank worked hard to create history.”

Menon said the COOPaisa could be used to take on the big e-commerce websites, which are trying to capitalise on the cashless economy.

“COOPaisa has many advantages over digital wallets like Paytm. E-wallets need to be refilled when they run out of cash,” Menon said. “It is a time-consuming process. COOPaisa deducts money directly from customer’s account as it is directly linked with the savings bank account. It is a hassle-free process.”

“Co-operative sector is the lifeline of Kerala’s rural economy,” Menon said. “It enjoys the trust of the people. Co-operative banks in Kerala should introduce similar digital currencies to challenge the invasion of big corporates,” he said.

Happy users

Rajesh, a carpenter, was excited to use COOPaisa on Friday itself at the SR Bakery in Kohinoor Village in Thenhipalam Panchayat. “I wanted to buy some snacks for a family function. I went to the bank to withdraw money. But they said their coffers were empty. Then the officials suggested I should instal COOPaisa on my android phone. I used it at the SR Bakery and a nearby fish stall. I don’t have to worry about currency crunch anymore,” he said.

Shameer, owner of SR Bakery, said the digital currency has provided merchants a lifeline. “Business was dull for the last three weeks. It is slowly picking up after the launch of COOPaisa. I have done more than 25 transactions in the last three days.”

Fish vendor Moosa said COOPaisa brought many of his customers back. “Many of my regular customers stopped buying fish after Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 went out of the market. Now they are coming back. It is a little difficult to operate the system. But I am happy to use it if it is good for my customers.”

Ten awesome TV shows to get over your post-GoT blues

With those withdrawal symptoms kicking in, all you need is a good rebound show.

Hangovers tend to have a debilitating effect on various human faculties, but a timely cure can ease that hollow feeling generally felt in the pit of the stomach. The Game of Thrones Season 7 finale has left us with that similar empty feeling, worsened by an official statement on the 16-month-long wait to witness The Great War. That indeed is a long time away from our friends Dany, Jon, Queen C and even sweet, sweet Podrick. While nothing can quite replace the frosty thrill of Game of Thrones, here’s a list of awesome shows, several having won multiple Emmy awards, that are sure to vanquish those nasty withdrawal symptoms:

1. Billions

There is no better setting for high stakes white collar crime than the Big Apple. And featuring a suited-up Paul Giamatti going head-to-head with the rich and ruthless Damien Lewis in New York, what’s not to like? Only two seasons young, this ShowTime original series promises a wolf-of-wall-street style showcase of power, corruption and untold riches. Billions is a great high-octane drama option if you want to keep the momentum going post GoT.

2. Westworld

What do you get when the makers of the Dark Knight Trilogy and the studio behind Game of Thrones collaborate to remake a Michael Crichton classic? Westworld brings together two worlds: an imagined future and the old American West, with cowboys, gun slingers - the works. This sci-fi series manages to hold on to a dark secret by wrapping it with the excitement and adventure of the wild west. Once the plot is unwrapped, the secret reveals itself as a genius interpretation of human nature and what it means to be human. Regardless of what headspace you’re in, this Emmy-nominated series will absorb you in its expansive and futuristic world. If you don’t find all of the above compelling enough, you may want to watch Westworld simply because George RR Martin himself recommends it! Westworld will return for season 2 in the spring of 2018.

3. Big Little Lies

It’s a distinct possibility that your first impressions of this show, whether you form those from the trailer or opening sequence, will make you think this is just another sun-kissed and glossy Californian drama. Until, the dark theme of BLL descends like an eerie mist, that is. With the serious acting chops of Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman as leads, this murder mystery is one of a kind. Adapted from author Liane Moriarty’s book, this female-led show has received accolades for shattering the one-dimensional portrayal of women on TV. Despite the stellar star cast, this Emmy-nominated show wasn’t easy to make. You should watch Big Little Lies if only for Reese Witherspoon’s long struggle to get it off the ground.

4. The Night of

The Night Of is one of the few crime dramas featuring South Asians without resorting to tired stereotypes. It’s the kind of show that will keep you in its grip with its mysterious plotline, have you rooting for its characters and leave you devastated and furious. While the narrative revolves around a murder and the mystery that surrounds it, its undertones raises questions on racial, class and courtroom politics. If you’re a fan of True Detective or Law & Order and are looking for something serious and thoughtful, look no further than this series of critical acclaim.

5. American Horror Story

As the name suggests, AHS is a horror anthology for those who can stomach some gore and more. In its 6 seasons, the show has covered a wide range of horror settings like a murder house, freak shows, asylums etc. and the latest season is set to explore cults. Fans of Sarah Paulson and Jessica Lange are in for a treat, as are Lady Gaga’s fans. If you pride yourself on not being weak of the heart, give American Horror Story a try.

6. Empire

At its heart, Empire is a simple show about a family business. It just so happens that this family business is a bit different from the sort you are probably accustomed to, because this business entails running a record label, managing artistes and when push comes to shove, dealing with rivals in a permanent sort of manner. Empire treads some unique ground as a fairly violent show that also happens to be a musical. Lead actors Taraji P Henson and Terrence Howard certainly make it worth your while to visit this universe, but it’s the constantly evolving interpersonal relations and bevy of cameo appearances that’ll make you stay. If you’re a fan of hip hop, you’ll enjoy a peek into the world that makes it happen. Hey, even if you aren’t one, you might just grow fond of rap and hip hop.

7. Modern Family

When everything else fails, it’s comforting to know that the family will always be there to lift your spirits and keep you chuckling. And by the family we mean the Dunphys, Pritchetts and Tuckers, obviously. Modern Family portrays the hues of familial bonds with an honesty that most family shows would gloss over. Eight seasons in, the show’s characters like Gloria and Phil Dunphy have taken on legendary proportions in their fans’ minds as they navigate their relationships with relentless bumbling humour. If you’re tired of irritating one-liners or shows that try too hard, a Modern Family marathon is in order. This multiple-Emmy-winning sitcom is worth revisiting, especially since the brand new season 9 premiers on 28th September 2017.

8. The Deuce

Headlined by James Franco and Maggi Gyllenhaal, The Deuce is not just about the dazzle of the 1970s, with the hippest New York crowd dancing to disco in gloriously flamboyant outfits. What it IS about is the city’s nooks and crannies that contain its underbelly thriving on a drug epidemic. The series portrays the harsh reality of New York city in the 70s following the legalisation of the porn industry intertwined with the turbulence caused by mob violence. You’ll be hooked if you are a fan of The Wire and American Hustle, but keep in mind it’s grimmer and grittier. The Deuce offers a turbulent ride which will leave you wanting more.

9. Dexter

In case you’re feeling vengeful, you can always get the spite out of your system vicariously by watching Dexter, our favourite serial killer. This vigilante killer doesn’t hide behind a mask or a costume, but sneaks around like a criminal, targeting the bad guys that have slipped through the justice system. From its premier in 2006 to its series finale in 2013, the Emmy-nominated Michael C Hall, as Dexter, has kept fans in awe of the scientific precision in which he conducts his kills. For those who haven’t seen the show, the opening credits give an accurate glimpse of how captivating the next 45 minutes will be. If it’s been a while since you watched in awe as the opening credits rolled, maybe you should revisit the world’s most loved psychopath for nostalgia’s sake.

Available starting October

10. Rome

If you’re still craving an epic drama with extensive settings and a grandiose plot and sub-plots, Rome, co-produced by HBO and BBC, is where your search stops. Rome is a historical drama that takes you through an overwhelming journey of Ancient Rome’s transition from a republic to an empire. And when it comes to tastes, this series provides the similar full-bodied flavour that you’ve grown to love about Game of Thrones. There’s a lot to take away for those who grew up quoting Julius Caesar, and for those looking for a realistic depiction of the legendary gladiators. If you’re a history buff, give this Emmy-winning show a try.

For your next obsession, Hotstar Premium has you covered with its wide collection of the most watched shows in the world. Apart from the ones we’ve recommended, Indian viewers can now easily watch other universally loved shows such as Silicon Valley and Prison Break, and movies including all titles from the Marvel and Disney universe. So take control of your life again post the Game of Thrones gloom and sign up for the Hotstar Premium membership here.

This article was produced by the Scroll marketing team on behalf of Hotstar and not by the Scroll editorial team.